HabitSeedsA story written for your soon-to-be big brother or sister
A new baby is joyful, and it's also a big change for the child who was there first. This story makes room for both feelings.
- Best for
- Ages 2–4, Ages 5–7
- Length
- 24, 28, 32 pages, based on reading age
- Price
- From $7.99, one-time
- Written
- New for your child
Why it’s so hard for them
A new sibling changes a child's whole world: less one-on-one time, a baby who gets lots of attention, and grown-ups who are tired. Feeling jealous or acting younger for a while is common, even in kids who are excited.
Children often can't explain those feelings, and may feel guilty for having them. A story where the hero feels the same mix, and still finds their special role, tells your child those feelings are allowed.
How the story goes
Every book is written from what you tell us, so yours will be its own. Here’s the shape a story like this usually takes.
Big feelings about a small baby
The hero feels excited and left out at the same time. The story names both and why they make sense.
A job only they can do
The hero finds a way to help, like picking the baby's song or fetching a diaper, that makes them feel important.
Time just for them
A grown-up makes special time for the hero alone. They're still loved just as much.
Proud to be big
The baby smiles at the hero, and being a big sibling starts to feel good.
Questions to ask while you read
The conversation is where the lesson sticks. Pause on a page and try one of these, then let your child lead. Why we build books this way.
- How did the hero feel when everyone was looking at the baby?
- What job did they do to help?
- What will you show our baby first?
Questions parents ask
Should we read it before or after the baby arrives?
Both work. Before helps your child know what to expect, and after helps with the feelings that come once the baby is home. Many families order one book and read it through both stages.
Can it be a baby brother or a baby sister?
Yes. Tell us in your description, along with anything special about your family, and the story will follow it.
My child is acting younger since the baby came. Is that normal?
It's common for a while after a new sibling arrives. If it lasts a long time or comes with a lot of distress, check in with your pediatrician.
Do I pick from ready-made books?
No. Every book is written and illustrated new from what you tell us: what your child is facing, a hero you name, their reading age and the setting. This page is a starting point, not a finished book.
How much does a book cost?
Ages 2–4: 24 pages for $7.99; Ages 5–7: 28 pages for $9.99; Ages 7–10: 32 pages for $11.99. Length and price follow the reading age you select, paid once. No subscription. Sign in before checkout and your first book is 20% off.
Do you use a photo of my child?
No, never. The hero is an original illustrated character you name and describe, so the story is about what your child is going through, not their face.
How do I get the book?
Writing and illustrating takes a few minutes after checkout. You read it in our online reader, download it as a PDF to print at home, and we email you when it's ready.
Tell us what’s happening.
We’ve filled in a starting point. Change it to match your child, and we’ll write the rest.
Create a book